In Room 8, we emphasize the importance of the Hawaiian Culture. The most important food source to the Hawaiian people is Kalo, also known as Taro. Today we went to visit a special place called Papahanakuaola, a Wetland Taro Patch. After we arrived, our tour guide told us the story about the mountain that stood ahead of us, I‘ole Ka‘a. He had the children re-enact the story of “I‘ole Ka‘a,” which talked about the Rat and the archer. The children had fun re-enacting the story. When we arrived to the entrance of the Taro Patch, the children took a moment to become aware of their surroundings by closing their eyes and listening to the sounds of nature. Some distinct sounds the children took note of was the stream and the wind. Before crossing the stream at the base of the lo‘i. the children shared a chant giving thanks to sun and to bless us on our journey into the taro patch. Our tour guide took us on a walk though the patches explaining many types of Kalo. We also went over the parts of the kalo plant, which we discussed with the class prior to our field trip. Overall it was an awesome opportunity for the children and the chaperones to experience the beautiful Waipao valley and the taro patches. Go Waipao Brown Socks!
